Eutaw Street Cardboard

Real? Or Fake?

2013-05-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

Not going to give any information that could sway, just want to see what y'all think.

Sammy Sosa 1991 Fleer #136

I will weigh in later with specifics.

Subtraction By Addition, or Something Like That

2013-05-13T21:42:00.001-04:00

My opportunities to get in front of the coming wave of Orioles happens rally only at FanFest. I haven't graphed at a minor league game since the AA All-Star Game in Trenton NJ, 1999. I also haven't picked up minor league team sets online. About once a year I snag a lot full of new "Oriole prospects" and send some TTM requests.

Last week marked the second time this year a player debuted, then was summarily crossed from my needs list.

Thanks Zach Clark.

I wish he would have signed a little larger, but overall a nice legible autograph.

Hopefully this week will mark another autograph I can take off my list by adding it to the collection.

Fellow Oriole Blogger Ryan has discussed Clark's current pitching project here.

Freed Up Some eBay Funds

2013-05-06T17:44:00.000-04:00

I have been spending more time on eBay recently, just got the app for my phone, and have been looking to cross some tough names from my list. The majority of the players I need from the past have passed.

Most autograph traders don't have cards from the 60's and 70's laying around for me to scoop up. If they do, they are looking for a deceased player in return, which I only have a few. So I pull some scratch together and buy a few of the cheaper ones out there.

Roger Freed 1972 Topps #69

It's not the best autograph, the best pen or even the best card, but it was the one within my price range. He has two cards as an Oriole, both dual players cards with other rookies that I hadn't seen available. I had the choice between a multitude of '72 Topps and some Index cards and settled on this one. I am happy with it.

I have tried to save the index cards for players from the 50's and 60's, but have been known to make an exception as needed.

Roger would definitely be classified as a journeyman. He spent parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, over 10 seasons, with six different clubs. He was signed by the Orioles in 1966, making his debut four years later in 1970. He was traded in 1971 to the Phillies for Grant Jackson, Tim Hutto and Sam Parrilla.

He got a shot to play everyday in 1971 and 72 but couldn't hold on. He was dealt a few more times, bouncing between franchises and all levels of the minor leagues. Following the 1980 season he extended his career playing in the Puerto Rican Winter Leagues.

Roger passed away on January 9, 1996 at the age of 49, from heart related issues.

Wifey Has A New Favorite Oriole

2013-05-05T04:00:00.000-04:00

Move over Matt Wieters, Wifey has a new Bird in her life.

OK, not a new Bird, a seasoned one.

Bill Swaggerty

He doesn't look familiar?

Maybe this guy does?

Bill Swaggerty 1991 Orioles Crown #448

It wasn't statistics or relevance that made Wifeys loyalty wane, it was personality and a little bit of resemblance.

When we fist met Bill as our manager at the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation softball tournament, Wifey thought she knew him. He looked so familiar, she kept bugging me as to who it was? It turns out it was actor Bruce McGill from one of her favorite T.V. shows. Pretty close.

Bill was extremely personable and mirrored our team very well, just have fun. We spent the day with Bill sharing a glimpse into what it was like to be a pro athlete. He shared stories of being drafted in the 27th round, coming through the minors with Cal Jr., his pro debut, being a World Champion and life after baseball. Our team hung on every word and every story, spun with ease by a talented storyteller.

He even had Wifey paying attention. To sports stories. That never happens. Ever.

Stories wasn't all Bill shared with us.

Those are the chubby nubs I call fingers with the most expensive piece of jewelry I will ever don. I'm not a ring guy, but would have never relinquished it had it been mine. Bill took delight in sharing his piece of history with us.

Wifey gladly asked Bill for his autograph, for her collection, not mine. It now sits next to her personalized Wally Westlake postcard from nearly five years ago. I crossed Bill off my Orioles Crown list years ago TTM. He is a great signer, getting at least two letters a week.

Thanks again Bill.

Face to Face With Ripken

2013-05-04T22:23:00.000-04:00

During my blogging "career" I have remained faceless during my ranting and raving. It sort of just happened. It was never my intention but just worked out that way. I am not fearful of people knowing who I am and have actually met a dozen or more followers of my blog.

I always felt like the players, the cards, the autographs and the stories were most important, and they are. But today, I make my first appearance on my own blog.

Friday, May 3rd was a great day for many reasons.

I didn't have to work.

I spent the day outside.

I was with Wifey all day.

I played softball to help less fortunate kids.

I rubbed elbows with bonafide big-leaguers.

Wifey's company has had a long standing relationship with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation in Aberdeen Md. Donations and sponsorships of charity events to help build youth baseball fields across the country are part of their contributions. They also built the replica Camden Yards at the facility, the crown jewel of the Aberdeen complex.

Camera Phone View

Each year, the Foundation organizes a charity softball tournament played in Aberdeen, on their most iconic fields. Camden Yards, Fenway Park, Memorial Stadium, Wrigley Field and National's Park are where 10 teams vie for the championship. Wifey's company sponsored a team and I was invited to play.

Actually, Wifey was the first to sign up, so I could play. She isn't a team sports person, but tolerates my passion for playing the game and being a part of ~~baseball~~ softball. She is a runner and understands competition, but only against personal records and the course. She doesn't run to win the race. She also hadn't played softball or organized sports since 5th grade, so the sacrifice to put herself out there was not lost on me. I owe her. Big time.

We got to the facility around 9:30am, games started around noon, so we had time to warm up and mingle. We got loose on the turf warm up field and even took a few practice swings, in one of 12 batting cages. The facility is amazing and I can only imagine how the kids felt, as I was in awe as an adult. Playing slow pitch softball. When I was a kid, the high end facilities had snack bars, not batting cages, bullpens and electronic scoreboards.

Before the first game we met with our celebrity manager, Bill Swaggerty. He was a member of the 1983 World Series Championship Team and played for four seasons with the Orioles. More on this Bill later. We posed for a team photo with our manager Bill and Foundation Vice Chairman Billy Ripken.

My Debut

Billy Ripken spoke about the success of the foundation, their work and the contributions each donor had made, as only Billy can. He kept it light and fun as was the tenor of the day.

A random draw selected the three opponents for the day, we had a rough one. First was defending champion Kelly and Associates, followed by Wal-Mart, finishing up with 2012 runner-up Under Armour. Ouch.

No, literally ouch. While warming up the pitcher for our first game, Wifey took a ball off the knee that kept her out an inning. She toughed it out though. Kelly and Associates led by Tippy Martinez bombed us in the first game. We didn't do ourselves any favors booting the ball all over the field. We found a few runs at the end of the game, jacking two home runs out of replica Wrigley Field, Ivy and all.

Walking to National's park, we ran into Billy Ripken holding court. I made sure to bring a bunch of cards of anyone who may have been in attendance, just in case. This was a good case. Billy knew a project mamager with the company, who asked for an autograph for me.

Billy Ripken 1991 Orioles Crown #382

Throughout the day, I saw a lot of posed shots with the former players, but didn't see any other autographs. It made me a little awkward, but Billy was gracious. I needed to upgrade to the Crown card from a 1988 Topps version.

Wal-mart was next and we left all the jitters with the first game. We came out hot and played some inspired defense. We won by more than 10 and the game was stopped in the fifth inning. All was not good though. We had a pulled hamstring take out our lone sub and I busted up my right heel beating out an infield single. For the remainder of the game and the final game, I was limping around the field. The pain was intense but I believe now that it is just a deep bone bruise on my heel, not anything broken. So, that's a plus.

And yes, the field was turf except for the mound and home plate. It took some getting used to but all the hops were true.

Our final game was a loss to Under Armour that we kept close. No expectations of a championship with our team, but an unbelievable day.

Under Armour led by Chris Hoiles lost in the finals to a B.J. Surhoff managed team. Ten former big leaugers in all came out in support of the foundation including Steve Rogers of Expos lore, Mike Bielecki and former Orioles Dickie Noles and Scott McGregor.

I am that ultra-competitive guy that tends to take things too seriously, but not on this day. I was able to relax and have fun, something I rarely do when losing. The event, the day, the people and the cause were too good for me to ruin it by being that guy. Hopefully, I get asked back if they sponsor a team next year.

Oh, any guesses as to which guy I am in the team photo? If you know me, don't ruin it.

Questioning The Hobby

2013-04-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

It's not what it sounds like. I love collecting cards and autographs and will not give it up. I am just looking for advice and tricking you to read this post sounded like a good idea.

I am sorry if my clever attempt to trick you leaves you wanting more deep thoughts on the hobby, I just want answers.

For the autograph guys:

Do you hand write or type TTM requests?
Do you hand address envelopes?
Do you use any site besides eBay to buy autographed cards? Trade?
Do you mention your collecting goals?
Do you reference your blog or are you straight fanboy?
What are your thoughts about personalizations?

Average Joe Collector:
Got any 2012 base cards of:

Luis Ayala
Dylan Bundy
Wei-Yin Chen
Miguel Gonzalez
LJ Hoes
Manny Machado
Nate Mclouth
Joe Saunders

What do you need for em?

I will go over my feelings on the subject a little later when I've heard a little feedback.

Blogging From Court

2013-04-25T13:39:00.002-04:00

Nope, not a lawyer. Not a Sheriff, Bailiff, or stenographer. I am a juror. Or should I say, "potential juror".

I have not been selected yet, but have seen the inside of the oldest, dankest, smallest courtroom imaginable, for voir dire. I am hoping that is the last time I see the inside of a courtroom today, and the next year. for that matter

In the five years I have lived in Baltimore City, I have been chosen for jury duty four times.

Four.

The apathy in this city is staggering and until they started locking people up for missing jury duty, the rooms were barely filled. What does this have to do with baseball, baseball cards and my blog?

Nothing really. I just finished up my days work and don't have Wifey and The Kid, plying for my attention. Maybe I will be able to do some player research, hit up the eBay and start crossing names off my list. Hello blog-o-sphere. I've missed you.

A little gratuitous Orioles 80's Mustache Magic:

Leo Hernandez Signed Photo

My boycott of eBay is over and I should have some interesting names in the next few weeks.

Spring Cleaning

2013-04-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

I have been shipping off a few team lots (check a listing here) and in putting them together have found a few items without much of a place in my collection, or my home. I wanted to give the blog-o-sphere a chance at them before the ol' bay.

John Montefusco Rawlings OMLB "The Count" "1975 NL ROY"

OK, so I had to schedule the post and got too itchy, so I posted the Montefusco on eBay. If you want it, I will cancel the auction in a heartbeat

Al Bumbry Rawlings OMLB "#2" "1973 AL ROY"

My Newest Oriole Autograph

2013-04-09T18:07:00.001-04:00

I knew nothing about T.J. McFarland before this years FanFest. And I knew just slightly more after the event. As a Rule-5 guy I thought he was a lock to make the roster and appear for the Birds. T.J. decided to make it a little difficult.

A bad start to the Spring had many believing he would be left off the Opening Day roster and be sent packing. He was not, and made his Oriole debut on April 6, 2013 vs the Minnesota Twins. He looked spectacular, allowing zero runs and one hit while striking out five.

Welcome to the team T.J.

T.J. McFarland 2013 Orioles Postcard

Are You Ready For Opening Day?

2013-04-02T14:11:00.001-04:00

I hope so. My babysitter being off this week has allowed me to have a little stay-cation with "The Kid". Also turns out we can watch opening day festivities in Tampa on the tube.

A fortunate little side effect. I am rocking my best orange and "The Kid" is rocking his jersey.

Last year he was in the womb for the first game, hopefully he will be content to watch a bit this afternoon.

Let's go O's. I predict 88 wins this year and relevence in September. Stoked.

Just Doesn't Seem Right

2013-03-30T00:30:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I figured out how to use the Blog Reader on my cell phone. Finally my "office" visits each day at work have meaning. One of those daily visits found me looking at Jaybarkerfan's Junk. Not in a dirty way.

He was actually giving away some of his "junk".

I like free stuff. So I got a little greedy and picked out the maximum 6 cards. Seeing how autographs are kind of my thing these days, I grabbed a bunch.

2008 Topps Moments and Milestone Rookie Autographs

Jonathan Meloan

Armando Galarraga

Sam Fuld

2008 Topps Finest Autographs Jonathan Meloan

2005 Donruss Classics Gold Autographs #'d /1200 Sean Tracy

2004 Topps Heritage Signs of Authority Dana DeMuth

Hopefully I can parlay his generosity into an auto or two I need for my collection.

6 free autographs is pretty unfair, but it just gets worse.

Wes wanted some vintage cards to take his mind off of 2013 Topps and I was eager to oblige with some old time Birds. My PayPal account got fatter and I will definitely parlay that into some autograph needs.

I appreciate Wes' generosity and eagerness to clear some space in my basement. I just hope the vintage I sent his way lives up to the price paid.

Are You Ready?

2013-03-27T21:28:00.000-04:00

All packed up and ready to ship out.

The Blog-O-Sphere's favorite Dimwitted Astro's fan has a nice package on the way. Possibly every Astro's card I have.

Sam has decided to change, no small feat in life or the collecting world and I applaud his efforts. I have been disillusioned with new cards for a while, mainly why I started to focus on the autograph side of things. It took a lot to stop being a player collector so I can sympathize with his situation.

But alas, we are collectors and I am here to perpetuate the hobby, his addiction and his collection. So I have sent Sam every Astro's card I own. What do I get in return? Whatever value he deems fair. That is the trust I have in this man, this hobby and this community.

Anyone else game? Only the Astro's and Nationals are tapped out. Even my Birds can be shipped your way. Let me know

P.S. I can stop at any denomination of cards or send every stinking card of your favorite team. Player collector? I can send all cards of your favorite players. Looking to clear out some room and pile up some autograph coin in the process.

My Scanner Hates Me

2013-03-22T22:57:00.001-04:00

I have had temperamental scanner software for a while and continue to underestimate its hatred for my card collecting and blog. In the past I had posted boring, scan-free blog entries and even abandoned posts altogether.

Tonight, I will not be thwarted. Why? I opened a pack of cards for the first time in many months and I did pretty well.

I have been staring at the 2012 Factory Set my brother (card-collecting partner in crime) gave The Kid for Christmas. The enticing "5-card Pack of Rookie Variation Cards" proved too much for my weak-willed self. I had to do it. The Kid can have the 660 regular cards when he is old enough to appreciate them.

I appreciate these now.

See, my scanner truly hates me. The Yeonis Cespedes and Yu Darvish are the basic variation cards while the Harper is a tad more special. It is the "Yelling" variation or the polarizing loud mouth my brother loves so much. Too bad he can't have it. I will probably sell it out of spite.

What my scanner decided to cut out was Brett Lawrie and Matt Moore variations. I'm not sure if all the packs are this stacked but I can't complain at all. OK, I would have preferred the Left Handed Darvish, but whatever.

Anyone out there interested?

A Hundred on the Horizon

2013-03-15T23:41:00.001-04:00

Even with an absence for the blogging community over the last few months I have been able to creep closer to two different milestones.

100.

Oh so close to 100 followers and I haven't done anything cool in a while. Thanks to anyone that has stuck it out and welcome to the few newer guys. My ego is inflated every time I see a new name following this humble little blog-o-mine.

The 100 that looms larger is on my want list. I am closing in on only 100 players needed, that is until April. So let's see if anyone out there can help.

I am looking to trade for any autograph of the players listed below. I am looking for any card, postcard or custom of the players listed below. Personalized autographs are fine. Even if you aren't fortunate to be named Kirk.

Let me know if you have anything to help. I will scour all trade lists and do everything to make it work.

Stay tuned for the list of upgrades needed in a few days.

Adair, Jerry	D
Alexander, Bob	D
Anderson, John	D
Angle, Matt
Avila, Bobby	D
Bickford, Vern	D
Brideweser, Jim	D
Brock, Chris
Brunet, George	D
Byrd, Harry	D
Carreon, Cam	D
Coleman, Rip	D
Cook, Mike
Courtney, Clint	D
Cox, Billy	D
Cubillan, Darwin
Davis, Eric
de la Rosa, Francisco	D
Dedrick, Jim
Dykhoff, Radhames
Exposito, Luis
Finigan, Jim	D
Fisher, Tom
Flinn, John
Foster, Kris
Fox, Howie	D
Freed, Roger	D
Freire, Alejandro
Gallagher, Dave
Garcia, Chico	D
Garcia, Luis (2002 Orioles)
Gastall, Tom	D
Goodman, Billy	D
Green, Gene	D
Greene, Charlie
Guerrero, Vladimir
Guillen, Ozzie
Gutierrez, Jackie
Hamric, Bert	D
Hardin, Jim	D
Harris, Gene
Heard, Jay	D
Hernandez, Leo
Hobgood, Matt
Jackson, Lou	D
Jefferson, Jesse	D
Johns, Doug
Johnson, Davey
Jones, Sam	D
Kellert, Frank	D
Kinnunen, Mike
Kirkland, Willie
Kokos, Dick	D
Koslo, Dave	D
Lee, Derrek
Lopez, Carlos
Luebke, Dick	D
Mabe, Bob	D
Majeski, Hank	D
Marquis, Roger	D
Mathews, Terry	D
McDonald, Jim
McGuire, Mickey
McLouth, Nate
Miksis, Eddie	D
Millar, Kevin
Miller, Bill (1955)	D
Moore, Ray	D
Myers, Randy
Narum, Buster	D
Neshek, Pat
Nieman, Bob	D
Nixon, Donell
Oertel, Chuck	D
Palica, Erv	D
Pardo, Al
Peterson, Buddy	D
Pope, Dave	D
Powers, John	D
Powis, Carl	D
Reinbach, Mike	D
Rice, Del	D
Richards, Paul	D
Robles, Sergio
Rodriguez, Vic
Rogovin, Saul	D
Romero, J.C.
Rowdon, Wade
Royster, Willie
Salmon, Chico	D
Shetrone, Barry	D
Smith, Lee
Smith, Nate
Socolovich, Miguel
Sosa, Sammy
Stephens, Vern	D
Stuart, Marlin	D
Thomas, Valmy	D
Throneberry, Marv	D
Tibbs, Jay
Trout, Dizzy	D
Waitkus, Eddie	D
Werley, George
Wertz, Vic	D
Wiggins, Alan	D
Wilson, Jim (1948-58)	D
Wolf, Randy
Young, Bobby	D
Zambrano, Victor
Zaun, Gregg

Pushing 90

2013-02-15T23:26:00.000-05:00

My recent foray into the SCN (Sportscollectors.net) trade market has made a dent my needs list. I am inching dangerously close to my 2013 goal of 90%. The more names crossed of the list the harder the search becomes. Only 49 players on my needs list are still walking the Earth. Here are the newest additions from the last few trades.

Raul Chavez 2006 Upper Deck #534

Tony Chevez 1991 Orioles Crown #75

Billy Hall 2003 Topps Total #135

Matt Lindstrom 2007 Topps Update #178

Robert Machado 2001 Iowa Cubs

Al Reyes 1995 Fleer Update #56

Greg Walker 1985 O-Pee-Chee #244

Trade Talks

2013-02-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am currently in a good phase with regards to autograph trading. SportsCollectors.net has a huge following and a lot of cards out there that I need.

I was able to email Billy (bwk123) and get a sweet little deal moving along.

Juan Guzman 1999 Fleer Tradition #403

This is one of two Oriole upgrades in this trade, even if it is a little dry. Guzman has been difficult to track down and his limited time in Baltimore didn't allow for many autographs. I now have a 1993 Triple Play Blue Jays autograph available.

Willis Otanez 1999 Sports Illustrated #59

Upgrading again, this one takes the place of a 1994 Upper Deck Minor league issue of Otanez as a Dodger.

Steve Pearce 2008 SPx Rookie Signatures #134

Pearce was a good addition to the club in the middle of the year last season. He came through in the clutch a couple times and filled a gap in the outfield. Unfortunately he didn't last down the stretch and made his way to the dark side for the Playoffs. He has appeared on a Postcard for the Orioles, so that will be needed in the future.

Omar Quintanilla 2004 Bowman #199

See above. But this guy never got a postcard.

Trade Winds Are Blowing

2013-02-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

After all the hoopla of the FanFest autograph sessions were over I met up with fellow grapher, Craig. We have met each of the last three FanFest's to exchange goods in some way.

He collects signed postcards of the Orioles, but is a Yankees fan at heart. I was able to trade a few duplicate postcards and a signed Dwight Gooden Perfect Game 8x10 for a few needs.

Garrett Stephenson Orioles Postcard

Stephenson pitched for the Orioles in the 90's and was brought back for a signing a couple years back. Craig snagged a couple and had this one available. A little coordination and he brought it along. This clears out a minor league issue I had in the collection, anyone need Stephenson for their collection?

Pedro Strop 2012 Topps Update #106

Pedro Strop Orioles FanFest Postcard

I was able to secure both of these Strop cards from Craig. I only needed the Topps Update card but again, Orange is Ryan's favorite color. Whenever I can snag an orange signed card, I do, hoping to make a deal with him in the future. Any interest?

***Sorry, the Bundy was promised before your request on previous post***

Can You Guess...

2013-02-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

Which football team I follow?

In honor of the Super Bowl I will be posting some football autographs. No 49ers. No Ravens. Just Redskins.

My only tie to Baltimore sports are the Orioles and I will not be rooting for the local football team during the Super Bowl. I just can't do it. Sports talk radio is barely tolerable now, imagine if the Ravens actually won?

The Quiz went over well last time, let's try it again. First person to correctly guess all seven signatures receives some Redskins autos.

Best of luck.

Go Niners,

2013 Orioles FanFest: The Quiz

2013-01-23T04:00:00.000-05:00

The blank cards will give me a few "Quiz" options moving forward. Here is the first quiz:

Player #1

Player #2

Player #3

Maybe a small prize to the first person to get all three right. Good Luck.

2013 Orioles FanFest: Final Session

2013-01-22T19:00:00.000-05:00

I did well hounding by the stage but needed to make my way to my final autograph station. Filled with minor stars, but elusive ones, this station was the most important for me.

Wilson Betemit 2007 Topps Heritage #16

Available.

Wilson Betemit 2012 Topps #538

Wilson's first appearance as an Oriole is much straighter than pictured. My scanner hated this card for some reason.

Miguel Gonzalez 2013 Orioles FanFest Postcard

Miguel still has no major issue cards out there, just a couple of minor league issues. This postcard works very well, until he gets on a normal size card. Until then, this beauty is mine.

Jason Hammel 2012 Topps Update Series #US186

Hammel was the only player from this station that was not completely needed. I had a signed Orioles Postcard from last season already in place. But I was able to hound him for Craig to free up the upgrade opportunity. If anyone is looking for Hammel on a postcard, let me know, I now have one available.

Steve Johnson 2013 Orioles FanFest Postcard

Much like Gonzalez, Johnson hasn't graced a Topps card in a Bird uniform. He has a few Dodger issues out there but this card just looks so much better doesn't it. Steve had the line of the night as he was walking toward the stage and autograph seekers. He turned to his handler and told her to "Get to work", turning down autograph requests.

2013 Orioles FanFest: On the Hunt

2013-01-21T01:01:00.000-05:00

With three hours to kill between sessions there was no better way to kill time by hunting down some more autographs. I was able to meet up with some old friends, Austin and Ed, and I also was introduced to Dion. We have talked many times before and have traded multiple times on my Blog, but never put two and two together. Now we know.

I heard "no" a lot. Handlers were doing their job and deterred many before we could even ask. I asked Mike Wright to sign and took five minutes to convince him and his handler to sign one card. They stopped walking to talk to me and tell me he couldn't sign. The handler said that Wright would "get in trouble". I told him they were trying to scare him and he would be fine. He relented eventually and I was drained.

Mike Wright Baltimore Autograph Card

Now he just needs to crack the Major League roster to make my groveling worth it.

Jim Presley Orioles Postcard

Presley was milling around the stage aimlessly for nearly an hour and I took two opportunities to have postcards signed. He had no handler, no posse. He was merely handing out, listening to the panel discussions and partaking in a few as well.

If anyone is collecting Orioles Coaching Staff or former players, this one is looking for a nice home.

This next group doesn't have much of a story, recognize, ask, sign. Done.

Zach Britton 2012 Topps Orioles #BAL-16

Available

Bobby Dickerson Baltimore Autograph Card (Third Base Coach)

Available

Miguel Gonzalez Baltimore Autograph Card

Available

L.J. Hoes 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Edition #67

Trayvon Robinson Baltimore Autograph Card

I missed a shot at Dylan Bundy because I didn't recognize him, he just seemed too small. Not even close to 6 feet tall, but I Still should not have missed him. After his Future Stars panel discussion with Manny Machado, Xavier Avery, Jonathan Schoop and L.J. Hoes, Dylan did the unthinkable. He stopped and signed. A ton.

Long arms help and I was able to slip this one to him:

Dylan Bundy 2011 Bowman Draft Picks and Prospects #BDPP18

Dylan kept plugging away and I had another card so I figured I would give it a go.

Dylan Bundy 2012 Leaf National Sports Collector's Convention #VIP 5

Dylan was near silent the entire time but he was a machine. Spent nearly 15 minutes signing with his handler tapping the foot and urging him to leave the entire time. Much appreciated Dylan, thanks a million.

If anyone is in need of the NSCC card or any of the other listed available let me know. Who knows, the orange jersey may be attractive to a few of you?

2013 Orioles FanFest: Auto Station 1

2013-01-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

The debacle of buying Autograph Vouchers left me with a sour taste in my mouth and two tickets to the 12:40 sessions with Jim Palmer, Taylor Teagarden and Kevin Gausman. I was unable to secure help for the session and got to the line early anticipating needing to make two passes through the line.

Standing in line I naturally struck up conversation with people around me and noticed a guy putting away a T.J. McFarland postcard from his first session. I asked if he had an extra, he did not. But he had no need for it and traded it to me for a few base cards of Troy Patton, Jake Arrieta and Nolan Reimold. That's a win.

T.J. McFarland 2013 Orioles FanFest Postcard

McFarland was selected in the Rule 5 Draft from the Cleveland Indians and will be getting a look in the rotation come Spring Training. Worst case, the bullpen will be calling his name, making this a quick name to cross off the list, hopefully.

Waiting in line I saw a hulk of a man hanging out by the entrance to my station. I sent this his way:

Anyone know who it is?

Once the line started moving, the Voucher Gods decided to have some fun with me. The elderly gentleman working the scanner was having trouble with my vouchers. For 10 minutes. The line was held up eventually he sent me to a supervisor on the other side of the world. That supervisor then walked me directly back where I started to manually type in the serial number. Rocket Science I tell ya.

I eventually got in with both vouchers and was able to score these:

Kevin Gausman 2011 Topps USA #7

Kevin Gausman 2013 Orioles Postcard

Gausman's handler tried to deny me a signed postcard once I handed him the USA card but was swayed by both of my vouchers. Kevins was a nice kid, personable but not chatty. I am expecting his name to be crossed off my list sometime this season. Much like Bundy, his stuff is plus, but with two years at LSU under his belt, his rise should be a little quicker.

The USA card is available for anyone in need and the postcard will be making its way into the collection.

Jim Palmer Orioles Postcard

Jim Palmer 2012 Topps Golden Moments #GM27

Jim Palmer was in his greatest mood, ever. I am not just saying that because he smiled during the signing, but he was talking with every fan, Taylor Teagarden and was also handing out his signed postcard. Before even saying "Hello" he thrust a postcard in my hand which I quickly accepted. Then handed my two cards for my vouchers. He too tried to sign just one, but also lamented when I showed him both tickets. We exchanged pleasantries and I was off, a completely different Jim Palmer experience than this one.

A second signed card went to Craig for help at a later session, more on that later. Both of the Palmers are available for trade if anyone is interested.

Taylor Teagarden 2010 Topps #346

Taylor Teagarden 2013 Orioles Postcard

Not much to say about Teagarden. Solid guy. Willing to sign anything given him and nice doing it. The postcard was pre-signed so black had to suffice. Normally blue is it for me, but I like this photo better than last year, so I do have last years available, as well as the Topps cards.

Still more to come as I had to kill 3 hours before the final session, stay tuned.

Orioles FanFest 2013: The Beginning

2013-01-19T23:16:00.000-05:00

So, I'm an idiot.

I started the best autograph day of the year for me by losing my Season Ticket holder early entry tickets. I blogged about those very tickets here, yet found a way to lose them. Idiot.

Friday night I had to buy another ticket and miss out on the early entrant free signing. At least I was able to sleep in.

I rolled up to the Convention Center at precisely 11am, grabbed my ticket at will call and walked into the event. 11:10am and I was ready to go. Unfortunately the 18,000 people in front of me had other things on their mind, namely walking slow as sin. After making my way past the slowpokes I found the stage, grabbed my cards and got ready for the day.

I was set up for two minutes when I recognized my first player.

Taylor Teagarden Baltimore Autograph Card

His signature is still very sloppy and difficult to read, but looks great on these cards. The blue pops really well. The only drawback I have found is in human error, signing upside down.

It was my first time breaking out the custom Baltimore Autograph Card from Brian and Rusty at The Autograph Card and me likey. Get used to the look of them, they will be making a few appearances in the next few posts.

Stay tuned, I brought home 30 more autographs from this years event.

The Best Part About The Flu?

2013-01-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

That's a very difficult question to answer. It's a toss up really.

The vomiting?

The pain?

The disinfecting of the entire house?

The time off work?

Watching "Trouble With The Curve"?

A TTM success and time to blog?

Bingo!

Mark Brown 1991 Orioles Crown

Mark was a sixth round pick of the Orioles that only had a cup of coffee with the Birds in 1984. In nine appearances out of the pen he managed a sole victory, in the final game of the 1984 season. He struck out Jim Rice to end the season and his career in Baltimore. That off-season saw him traded to the Minnesota Twins for Brad Havens. A second season in the big leagues was all Brown would get. His professional career ended in the Twins organization in 1986.

I sent my request to Mark at least six months ago, and as with most of my requests, I had forgotten about it. The request came with a religious bookelt from Mark but also a handwritten note from his daughter apologizing for the delay. She has been trying to get him to sign more fan mail and my success is a byproduct of that.

Thanks Mark and Kristen

Orioles FanFest Fail

2013-01-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

2013 Orioles FanFest autograph vouchers went on sale Saturday morning at 10am. I was in front of my laptop poised to make the selections that I needed to add to the collection. What I was not counting on, more glitches with the ticket system.

Tickets.com was unable to accommodate the volume at 10 am and for 10 minutes I received messages denying my purchase. I tried multiple sessions and differing voucher quantities, with the same results. Frustrated, I called customer service to see what could be done. Never got through.

Finally, 20 minutes of clicking and clicking and I was able to purchase my first autograph session. Just one. There was no way to make one purchase for all sessions that were wanted. In all I had to try and try again to make three separate purchases. I bought the amount of sessions I wanted, but a glitch changed the time slot. Doh.

30 minutes on hold again, only to find out nothing could be done with my wrong time slots. Wonderful.

So, I need some help and have a few extra slots available.

Looking for:
Dylan Bundy
LJ Hoes
Jonathan Schoop
TJ McFarland
Zach Clark
Trayvon Robinson
Nate McLouth
Luis Ayala
Pedro Strop

I have these slots available for trade:
Kevin Gausman (x3)
Manny Machado (x2)
Jim Palmer (x2)
Darren O'Day (x2)
Ryan Minor (x2)
Taylor Teagarden (2)
Jason Hammel

I am open for trading slots or can also do consignment. If interested just comment or email potziecards@yahoo.com.